Opposition movement says SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar will only come to Juba after the pre-transitional period as stipulated in the recently signed peace deal.

Manawa Peter Gatkuoth, the deputy spokesman of the SPLM-IO was reacting to President Salva Kiir’s invitation to Machar to come to Juba.

Peter said Machar’s return to Juba will be preceded by the implementation of security agreements that include the re-deployment of protection forces within the main towns. He said, “For Machar to go to Juba now is not ideal.”   

He further revealed that Machar’s advance team will be sent to SPLM-IO controlled areas to disseminate the peace agreement.

The opposition official also welcomed telephone conversations between President Kiir and Machar saying they discussed the on-going ceasefire violations in parts of Equatoria. He said this is a positive sign demonstrating the leaders’ willingness to work together to implement the peace agreement.

Both leaders and their delegations will meet in Khartoum tomorrow, Friday upon invitation by Khartoum for a celebratory ceremony following the final signing of the peace agreement in Addis Ababa last week.